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Liriodendron tulipifera is a deciduous Tree growing to 30 m (98ft) by 12 m (39ft) at a medium rate. It is hardy to zone (UK) 4. It is in flower from Jun to July, and the seeds ripen in October. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Beetles.It is noted for attracting wildlife.

The intensely acrid bitter inner bark, especially of the roots, is used domestically as a diuretic, tonic and stimulant[82, 213]. The raw green bark is also chewed as an aphrodisiac[222, 257]. The bark contains 'tulipiferine', which is said to exert powerful effects on the heart and nervous system[46, 61, 213]. A tea is used in the treatment of indigestion, dysentery, rheumatism, coughs, fevers etc[222, 257]. Externally, the tea is used as a wash and a poultice on wounds and boils[257]. The root bark and the seeds have both been used to expel worms from the body[213, 257].

A gold-coloured dye is obtained from the bark[106]. Wood - fine grained, soft, light, easily worked, durable, brittle, not strong but does not split. A valuable timber, it weighs 26lb per cubic foot and is much used for interior finishes, furniture, construction and plywood[11, 46, 61, 171, 229, 235]. Native north americans used the tree for making canoes[270].

Cultivation details

Landscape Uses:Pest tolerant, Aggressive surface roots possible, Pollard, Specimen. Requires a deep rich soil[11, 43, 200] and a sheltered but not overshadowed position[1]. Prefers a slightly acid soil[188]. Succeeds in sun or semi-shade[188]. A very ornamental plant[1], it is fast-growing and moderately long-lived in its native range[229]. Flowers are first produced when the tree is about 15 - 20 years old[229]. Liriodendron tulipifera is the state tree of both Indiana and Tennessee[270]. Intolerant of root disturbance, plants are best grown in pots and placed into their final positions as soon as possible. Any transplanting is best done in May[11]. Trees flower best in regions with long hot summers[200]. Plants are particularly susceptible to attacks by rabbits and hares[200]. The flowers produce considerable nectar, making this a good bee plant[21, 229]. Cultivated for its wood in Europe50]. Special Features:North American native, Attracts butterflies, Fragrant flowers, Attractive flowers or blooms.

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a shady place in a cold frame[80, 113, 200]. Stored seed requires 3 weeks warm then 12 weeks cold stratification[80, 113]. Germination is usually poor, only about 1% of the seed is viable[80]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts[78]. Layering in spring. Do not sever from the parent plant for 2 years[200].

A classic with a wealth of information on the plants, but poor on pictures.

[21]Lust. J. The Herb Book.

Lots of information tightly crammed into a fairly small book.

[43]Fernald. M. L. Gray's Manual of Botany.

A bit dated but good and concise flora of the eastern part of N. America.

[46]Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants.

An excellent and very comprehensive guide but it only gives very short descriptions of the uses without any details of how to utilize the plants. Not for the casual reader.

[61]Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man.

Forget the sexist title, this is one of the best books on the subject. Lists a very extensive range of useful plants from around the world with very brief details of the uses. Not for the casual reader.

[78]Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers.

A bit dated but a good book on propagation techniques with specific details for a wide range of plants.

[80]McMillan-Browse. P. Hardy Woody Plants from Seed.

Does not deal with many species but it is very comprehensive on those that it does cover. Not for casual reading.

[82]Sargent. C. S. Manual of the Trees of N. America.

Two volumes, a comprehensive listing of N. American trees though a bit out of date now. Good details on habitats, some details on plant uses. Not really for the casual reader.

Not very comprehensive, but it is quite readable and goes into some a bit of detail about the plants it does cover.

[188]Brickell. C. The RHS Gardener's Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers

Excellent range of photographs, some cultivation details but very little information on plant uses.

[200]Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.

Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.

[213]Weiner. M. A. Earth Medicine, Earth Food.

A nice book to read though it is difficult to look up individual plants since the book is divided into separate sections dealing with the different medicinal uses plus a section on edible plants. Common names are used instead of botanical.

A concise book dealing with almost 500 species. A line drawing of each plant is included plus colour photographs of about 100 species. Very good as a field guide, it only gives brief details about the plants medicinal properties.

[229]Elias. T. The Complete Trees of N. America. Field Guide and Natural History.

A very good concise guide. Gives habitats, good descriptions, maps showing distribution and a few of the uses. It also includes the many shrubs that occasionally reach tree proportions.

[235]Britton. N. L. Brown. A. An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada

Reprint of a 1913 Flora, but still a very useful book.

[257]Moerman. D. Native American Ethnobotany

Very comprehensive but terse guide to the native uses of plants. Excellent bibliography, fully referenced to each plant, giving a pathway to further information. Not for the casual reader.

[270] Flora of N. America

An on-line version of the flora with an excellent description of the plant including a brief mention of plant uses.

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Subject : Liriodendron tulipifera

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